Ackman, lawyer part ways in child-porn case

A high-profile child pornography case has been thrown into limbo following a dispute between the accused and his lawyer.

Martin Glazer announced Friday he could no longer represent Darrell Ackman, citing ongoing difficulties between the pair.

"He knows why," Glazer told the Free Press without providing specific details. Ackman, 43, expressed his own frustration for Glazer in court, then announced he is considering representing himself at any potential trial. That could lead to a difficult and rare situation for the court, where a lawyer would need to be appointed to ask questions on Ackman’s behalf to prevent him from being allowed to cross-examine the alleged victims.

Friday’s development will likely lead to further delays of the case and opens the door for potential judicial challenges if Ackman does end up acting as his own lawyer. Ackman remains free on bail. No dates for a hearing have been set.

Glazer and Ackman have privately clashed in recent months as the accused insisted on repeatedly speaking out about his case and contacting various media outlets.

Ackman previously made headlines for provocative videos he posted on YouTube under the name of "Mr. JetzTV." He also got 130 people in Fort Whyte to sign his nomination papers so he could be a candidate in a provincial byelection last fall despite the pending criminal charges. He received 19 total votes of more than 6,500 which were cast.

Court documents obtained by the Free Press show police began targeting Ackman after learning he was allegedly responsible for "numerous Internet advertisements offering escorts in Winnipeg" where girls in question were teenaged runaways who were forced to perform sex acts with men in exchange for cash.

Police also seized nude images of at least two teens, which may have been used to promote prostitution under the guise of escort agencies. Ackman allegedly operated out of a rented basement suite on Hunterbrook Road, which is where the warrant was executed. Police seized cameras, cellular phones and computer hard drives.

At least four teen victims have been included in the list of charges. Police have said they are looking for as many as eight other victims. Ackman faces a number of charges, including living off the avails of prostitution, making and possessing child pornography and sexual assault. He’s also wanted in Florida on prostitution charges that date back to 2010.